From synthesis to chemical reactivity of supported d⁰complexes. Part 1. An in situ infrared spectroscopic study of silica-anchored zirconium hydrides

Abstract

Silica-anchored zirconium hydride complexes have been synthesized by controlled hydrogenolysis of a tris(neopentyl)zirconium surface complex. They have been characterized spectroscopically and their chemical reactivity compared to related molecular analogues. The mechanism of their formation is discussed. High reactivity and thermal stability seem to be correlated to the presence around Zr of the ‘solid’ ligand; its influence is discussed in terms of electronic and immobilizing effects.